Biologists
SOC Code: 19-1029.04
Life, Physical & Social ScienceBiologists explore the fundamental mechanisms of life, studying everything from microscopic cellular processes to complex ecosystems. With a median salary of $93,330, this career offers a rewarding blend of intellectual challenge and meaningful contribution to scientific knowledge. Biologists work across diverse settings including laboratories, field stations, and academic institutions, making discoveries that influence medicine, agriculture, and environmental policy.
Salary Overview
Median
$93,330
25th Percentile
$67,950
75th Percentile
$121,350
90th Percentile
$159,780
Salary Distribution
Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Growth Rate
+1.2%
New Openings
4,800
Outlook
Slower than average
Key Skills
Knowledge Areas
What They Do
- Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
- Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.
- Study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and function.
- Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment.
- Write grant proposals to obtain funding for biological research.
- Prepare requests for proposals or statements of work.
- Represent employer in a technical capacity at conferences.
- Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
Tools & Technology
★ = Hot Technology (in-demand)
Education Requirements
Typical entry-level education: Master's Degree
Related Careers
Top Career Pivot Targets
View all 48 →Careers with the highest skill compatibility from Biologists.
A Day in the Life
A typical day for a biologist revolves around designing and conducting experiments, collecting specimens, and analyzing data. Morning hours are often spent in the laboratory preparing samples, running assays, or calibrating instruments for precise measurements. Afternoons may involve reviewing literature, writing grant proposals, or collaborating with colleagues on interdisciplinary research projects. Field biologists spend significant time outdoors collecting samples, tagging organisms, or monitoring habitats, sometimes in remote or challenging environments. Data analysis and statistical modeling consume a substantial portion of the workweek, as biologists translate raw observations into publishable findings. Many biologists also dedicate time to mentoring students, presenting at conferences, and peer-reviewing manuscripts for scientific journals.
Work Environment
Biologists work in highly varied environments depending on their specialization and employer. Laboratory-based biologists spend most of their time indoors in controlled settings, working with sophisticated equipment including microscopes, centrifuges, and gene sequencing machines. Field biologists experience dramatically different conditions, from tropical rainforests and coral reefs to arctic tundra and desert ecosystems. Standard work hours in academic and government settings typically follow a traditional schedule, though experiments and fieldwork often require evening, weekend, or seasonal commitments. The culture in research biology is intellectually stimulating and collaborative, with teams often spanning multiple institutions and countries. Safety protocols are rigorous, particularly when handling hazardous chemicals, biological specimens, or working in isolated field locations. Many biologists enjoy significant autonomy in directing their research, though the pressure to publish and secure funding can create a competitive atmosphere.
Career Path & Advancement
Most biologist positions require at minimum a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or a related life science, though research-focused roles typically demand a master's or doctoral degree. Undergraduate coursework in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics provides the essential foundation for advanced study. Early-career biologists often work as laboratory technicians or research assistants before pursuing graduate education. A Ph.D. opens doors to principal investigator roles, tenure-track faculty positions, and senior research scientist appointments. Advancement often depends on publishing in peer-reviewed journals, securing competitive grants, and building a reputation within a specialized research area. Some biologists transition into administrative roles such as laboratory director or department chair, while others move into science policy, consulting, or biotechnology industry leadership.
Specializations
Biology encompasses a remarkable range of specializations, each focused on different aspects of living systems. Molecular biologists investigate genetic and biochemical processes at the cellular level, while ecologists study organism interactions within ecosystems and environmental systems. Marine biologists focus on oceanic life forms and habitats, often conducting underwater research or working at coastal research stations. Microbiologists specialize in bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms, with applications in medicine, food safety, and environmental remediation. Wildlife biologists concentrate on animal populations, behavior, and conservation, frequently working with government agencies to manage protected species. Computational biologists and bioinformaticians use advanced algorithms and large datasets to model biological systems and analyze genomic data. Plant biologists, or botanists, study plant physiology, genetics, and ecology, contributing to agricultural innovation and habitat restoration.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓Biologists contribute to meaningful discoveries that advance human health, protect endangered species, and expand our understanding of the natural world.
- ✓The median salary of $93,330 provides a comfortable living, with senior researchers and industry scientists earning significantly more.
- ✓Field biologists enjoy the opportunity to work in extraordinary natural environments around the world, from coral reefs to mountain ecosystems.
- ✓Biology offers exceptional specialization diversity, allowing professionals to pursue their specific passions within the life sciences.
- ✓Research biology provides significant intellectual autonomy, with scientists often directing their own investigations and choosing their focus areas.
- ✓The growing importance of biotechnology, genomics, and environmental science ensures strong long-term demand for biological expertise.
- ✓Collaborative international research projects provide opportunities to travel, work with diverse teams, and build a global professional network.
Challenges
- ✗Academic positions are intensely competitive, with far more Ph.D. graduates than available tenure-track faculty openings each year.
- ✗Grant funding cycles create persistent uncertainty, as researchers must continuously write proposals and compete for limited resources to sustain their work.
- ✗Graduate training is lengthy, typically requiring five to seven years for a doctoral degree plus additional postdoctoral research before independent positions.
- ✗Field research can involve physically demanding work in harsh, isolated, or dangerous environments with exposure to extreme weather and wildlife hazards.
- ✗The publish-or-perish culture in academia places relentless pressure on researchers to produce high-impact publications to advance their careers.
- ✗Laboratory work sometimes involves repetitive tasks, long waiting periods for experimental results, and meticulous attention to protocols that can feel tedious.
- ✗Biologists in government or academic roles may find salary growth limited compared to peers who transition into private industry or technology sectors.
Industry Insight
The field of biology is being transformed by advances in genomics, CRISPR gene-editing technology, and computational modeling that allow researchers to ask questions previously considered impossible. Climate change research has elevated the importance of ecological and conservation biology, with increased funding for studies on biodiversity loss, species adaptation, and ecosystem resilience. The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries continue to expand, creating strong demand for biologists with expertise in molecular biology, immunology, and drug development. Interdisciplinary collaboration is increasingly valued, with biologists working alongside data scientists, engineers, and social scientists to address complex challenges like pandemic preparedness and food security. Federal and state governments remain significant employers, particularly for wildlife management, environmental monitoring, and public health research. The growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and green technology is opening new career paths in bioremediation, synthetic biology, and sustainable agriculture.
How to Break Into This Career
Aspiring biologists should begin building their foundation with strong coursework in biology, chemistry, and mathematics during their undergraduate years. Securing undergraduate research positions or internships at university laboratories, government agencies like the USGS or EPA, or private research firms provides invaluable hands-on experience. Volunteering with conservation organizations, natural history museums, or wildlife rehabilitation centers demonstrates commitment and builds practical skills. Developing proficiency in statistical software such as R or Python, laboratory techniques, and scientific writing significantly strengthens candidacy for graduate programs and entry-level positions. Attending scientific conferences and joining professional organizations like the American Institute of Biological Sciences creates networking opportunities that often lead to research collaborations and job referrals. Building a publication record, even through co-authored papers or undergraduate theses, distinguishes candidates in the competitive academic job market.
Career Pivot Tips
Biologists develop a versatile skill set that transfers effectively to numerous adjacent careers. Strong analytical and statistical abilities translate directly into data science, biostatistics, and market research roles across multiple industries. Laboratory management experience prepares biologists for quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and compliance positions in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Science communication skills open doors to careers in science journalism, technical writing, museum education, and public policy advocacy. Biologists with field experience possess project management, logistics, and problem-solving capabilities valued in environmental consulting, natural resource management, and urban planning. Teaching experience gained through academic roles provides a natural pathway to K-12 science education, curriculum development, or educational technology. The critical thinking and experimental design skills honed through biological research are highly sought after in management consulting, venture capital focused on life sciences, and healthcare administration.
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